Spiritual Formation Program

The Centrality of the Mass in the Spiritual Life 

The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch. 

Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1324 

Part I 

Eucharist: The What, Why, and How of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass 
with Deacon Michael Pascarella 

The Mass is the greatest prayer of the Church because we are joining in Christ’s prayer, participating in his sacrifice on the Cross and in his adoration of the Father.  Our celebration of Mass is the center of the whole of the Christian life. 

In the first half of this course, we will explore the meaning and origin of the Mass, beginning with its Jewish origins in the Passover, key events in Scripture that point to the Mass, and some historical development that has resulted in the Ordinary Form that is celebrated today. This will be followed by a detailed explanation of each part of the Mass, from the ringing of the bells before Mass begins, through to the dismissal of the deacon to go into the world and live out what was just experienced. Finally, the connection of various parts of the Mass as they are connected to other Sacraments, such as Baptism and Holy Matrimony, will be explored.  

Every sacrament is an encounter with Christ. Through the Mass, we have the opportunity to come closer to Jesus every time we join in this celebration. As members of the Mystical Body of Christ, we also need to fully participate in the Mass so that we can live out its meaning for the greater glory of God. 

Part II 

Introduction to the Devout Life 
with Mr. Keith McClain 

In the second half of this course, we will dive into a spiritual classic by St. Francis deSales. The Introduction to the Devout Life is a guide to growing in devotion to Christ. St. Francis De Sales, the Bishop of Geneva in the 17th century in the wake of the Protestant Reformation, first wrote these notes for a woman who sought his help to grow closer to Jesus. He then consented to publish them so every person could learn how to live a more devout life. Eminently practical and powerful, the advice he gives is for the ordinary person living an ordinary life in the ordinary world, not for the super-religious, but for every believer. Full of practical, level-headed, yet earnest advice, this classic of spiritual writing will help you live more deeply in Jesus.